Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped by Kissing Them

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Idolatry, in the biblical context, refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, which is strictly prohibited in the Scriptures. One of the practices associated with idolatry is the act of kissing the idols, a gesture of reverence and devotion. This practice is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting the extent of idol worship among the people and the strong admonitions against it.

The act of kissing idols is first noted in the Old Testament, where it is associated with the worship of Baal. In 1 Kings 19:18, God tells Elijah, "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him." This passage underscores the prevalence of Baal worship in Israel and the remnant of faithful followers who resisted such idolatrous practices.

Hosea 13:2 further illustrates this practice: "Now they sin more and more; they make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of them, 'They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calf idols.'" Here, the prophet Hosea condemns the Israelites for their increasing idolatry, which includes the act of kissing the calf idols, a symbol of their apostasy and betrayal of the covenant with God.

The act of kissing idols is not merely a physical gesture but represents a deeper spiritual infidelity. It signifies a transfer of affection and allegiance from the one true God to lifeless objects, crafted by human hands. This practice is a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which call for exclusive worship of Yahweh and prohibit the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-5).

In the New Testament, while the specific act of kissing idols is not explicitly mentioned, the underlying principle of idolatry is addressed. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against idolatry and the dangers of turning away from God to serve created things. In Romans 1:25, he writes, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen."

The practice of kissing idols, therefore, is emblematic of the broader issue of idolatry that plagued the Israelites and continues to be a temptation for believers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fidelity to God and resisting the allure of false gods and material objects that seek to usurp His rightful place in the hearts of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 19:18
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 13:2
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Case of all the Protestant or Reformed Churches, With
... it is necessary, that certain external things, which are objects of the ... an image,
whether that object ought or ought not to be worshipped. ... (2.) Idolatry of The ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 22 the case of.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... The custom of kissing the Pope's feet must cease ... Barnabas would not suffer themselves
to be worshipped as Gods ... of faith, soon began to set up idolatry and their ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... On his death, May 22, 337, his three sons divided between them the imperial dignity:
Constantine II((337-340), taking Gaul, Spain, and Britain; Constans (337 ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... But, if our adversary objects that this saying relates to widows, we reply that
it ... authority, since the Apostle's words are as we have translated them""He is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... swear'; that being the mode of taking an oath, instead of kissing the cover ... of prayers,
contained in the liturgy, reciting, instead of reading them"a course ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part ii
... duly reverenced and solemnly honoured and worshipped by you ... Forgive them that trespass
against you with joy, as a ... it cannot love two opposite objects"God and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... are deadened by the vanities of this world and attachments to its objects and pleasures ...
and when we see what a multitude of impurities are keeping them from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm